P209 CAN DOCTORS CORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE CORRECT SITE FOR CHEST DRAIN INSERTION?

J. L. Gallagher, N. Stevenson. Wirral University Teaching Hospital, UK

Background Chest drain insertion is a procedure commonly performed by doctors across a range of specialties. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has guidance for the preferred site for insertion, the safe triangle.1 Adherence to the guidance reduces complications. A previous smaller audit has shown that a high number of doctors fail to identify the correct site for insertion.2

Method This audit surveyed 111 doctors across a range of specialties in a university teaching hospital from F1 to consultant level. They were asked to mark a site on one of three photographs (anterior, lateral and posterior) as to where they would insert a chest drain to treat an uncomplicated pneumothorax in a non-emergency setting. Information was collected regarding training grade, specialty and competence.

Results Of the 111 responses, 3 did not mark a photograph. Of …